Skilled Regional visa

If you're a skilled migrant who's already invested time in Australia's regional communities, the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887) could be your gateway to permanent residency. Also known as visa 887, this permanent visa rewards those who've contributed to regional growth by living and working in designated areas. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about the skilled regional visa, including 887 visa requirements, 887 visa processing time, eligibility criteria, application steps, and more. With up-to-date information , this content is designed to help you navigate the process efficiently and boost your chances of success.

What is the Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)?

The subclass 887 visa is a permanent residency option administered by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It's specifically for individuals who have held an eligible provisional visa and met residency and work commitments in regional Australia. Unlike points-tested visas, this one focuses on your proven track record in regional areas, making it ideal for those transitioning from temporary skilled visas.

As of 2025, the visa remains a popular choice for migrants aiming for long-term settlement. According to official data, thousands of applications are processed annually, with a focus on boosting regional economies. For instance, in the 2023-2024 financial year, over 5,000 skilled regional visa grants were issued, highlighting its role in addressing skill shortages outside major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

This visa allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely. It also opens doors to sponsoring family members and eventually applying for citizenship after meeting residency requirements (typically four years in Australia, including one as a permanent resident).

Key 887 Visa Requirements

Meeting the 887 visa requirements is crucial for a successful application. Here's a breakdown of the essentials:

• Eligible Visa Holder: You must have held one of the following provisional visas for at least two years: Subclass 489 (Skilled Regional Provisional), 495 (Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Provisional), 496 (Designated Area Sponsored Provisional), 475 (Skilled Regional Sponsored), or 487 (Skilled Regional Sponsored). Bridging visas A or B granted after applying for these also qualify under certain conditions.
• Residency Requirement: Live in a specified regional area for at least two full years. Regional areas include most of Australia except Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Melbourne. Use the postcode checker on the Home Affairs website to confirm.
• Work Requirement: Demonstrate full-time employment (at least 35 hours per week) in a regional area for at least one year (12 months). This can be in any occupation, not necessarily skilled, and can include self-employment or multiple jobs totaling 35 hours weekly.
• English Language Proficiency: Have functional English (e.g., IELTS average 4.5 or equivalent). If not, pay the second installment visa application charge (around AUD 4,890 per applicant in 2025).
• Health and Character Checks: All applicants, including family members, must meet Australia's health standards and provide police certificates showing no serious criminal history.
• Age and Family Inclusion: No upper age limit, and you can include your partner, dependent children, or other family members who were on your provisional visa.

For COVID-19 concessions (still applicable for some pre-2023 applications), reduced work requirements may apply if impacted by restrictions.

To illustrate, here's a table summarizing the core 887 visa requirements:

These criteria ensure only committed regional contributors qualify, aligning with Australia's migration goals to populate and skill up non-metropolitan areas.